It is with great sadness that the family of Lorraine Olivia Switzer (Urquhart) announces her unexpected but peaceful passing at home in Victoria, BC on March 14, 2024. Lorraine was born on April 23, 1949 in Montreal, QC.
Predeceased by her father, Douglas Urquhart in 1977 and by her mother Pauline Urquhart in 1988, Lorraine is survived by her husband Warren; sons Douglas (Jeffrey) and James (Jen); grandchildren Sophie, Oliver and Max; and Barkley, the family dog. She will be sorely missed by her immediate and extended family, friends and neighbours.
Lorraine, an only child, spent her early years in Montreal with many entertaining and enjoyable family visits to the rural countryside in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. She shared many fond memories of her times on the farm with Aunt Marjorie and Uncle Bill, and her cousins, especially Barb with whom she was very close.
Lorraine married Danny Roch in Montreal in 1976 and, with joy, they welcomed son Douglas into the world in 1978. With her mother Pauline’s encouragement, Lorraine, Danny, Douglas, and Pauline, departed Quebec for Edmonton, AB in 1981. Lorraine and Danny parted ways a short time later. All continued to live in Edmonton. Douglas began school, and Lorraine embraced a new career path, which she enjoyed.
Lorraine met Warren while working with a Canadian consulting engineering firm in Edmonton, AB, on March 2, 1982. Lorraine was the office administrator and Warren had just accepted a company transfer from Toronto, ON. Lorraine and Warren’s relationship blossomed over the ensuing months and they became engaged at Easter in 1983. They were married on August 20, 1983.
In their new lives together, Warren pursued challenging engineering projects across Canada by moving to the next major opportunity while Lorraine managed her career, the home, her children and all moving-related logistical matters. Moves included to Ottawa, ON in 1985, to Calgary, AB in 1992, and to Victoria, BC in 2009. Throughout her career, Lorraine demonstrated remarkable adaptability and expertise, successfully navigating and contributing to a diverse range of business sectors including securities trading, engineering, law, accounting, patent applications and approvals, and international placement. A highlight in Lorraine and Warren’s lives occurred when they proudly welcomed their son James into the world while in Ottawa in 1988.
Activities and sports kept Lorraine vibrant and engaged in her early years with ballet and competitive figure skating, and recreational skiing in Vermont. Lorraine’s mother Pauline and her father Douglas were instrumental in preparing Lorraine for her life ahead. For example, her mother insisted that Lorraine attend finishing school before entering the workplace. The results could be seen in the confidence and poise with which Lorraine carried herself throughout her lifetime.
Lorraine was a wonderful, supportive and loving wife, a dedicated mother to her sons and a ‘fun’ grandma to her very special grandchildren. She enthusiastically and graciously welcomed each of her son’s spouses into her family with open arms. Words that come to mind as we look back on Lorraine’s life include: accomplished in ballet, competitive in figure skating, unassuming, engaging in conversation, warm, smart, classy, poised, professional, and so much more.
Although Lorraine did not enjoy air travel, she did explore the world on family trips to Florida, Nevada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Zambia (where her parents were stationed for several years on a CIDA project with the Zambian Railway System). Together with Warren, she enjoyed family vacation trips further across North America including South Carolina, Montana, California, Alaska and Hawaii. In their retirement years, Lorraine and Warren especially delighted in welcoming family and friends to their winter vacation property in Palm Springs.
Lorraine engaged in many pursuits, living life on her own terms with much love, accomplishment, and impact. All of her family members remember, respect and honour the life that Lorraine lived. Her final resting place will be at Royal Oak Burial Park in Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Muriel Fishwick
I was very sorry to learn of Lorraine’s passing. We had many cheerful conversations when she was in her garden.
She loved her grandchildren and was delighted to share their latest accomplishments as they matured.
Lorraine’s happy demeanour, laughter and ready smile will be missed. My deepest condolences to Warren and
the family on their loss.